Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - December 11, 2002

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 by Jeff Vandervoort.  Minutes of the November meeting will be posted soon. 

In attendance were Jim Barrett, Donald Claffey, Randy Devol, Peggy Mahler, Ed Pool, Fritz Prosch, Neil Shaw, Rich Solenberger, Jeff Vandervoort, Amie Weakland, and Bob Williams.

Treasurers Report

No treasurer’s report was available.

Grants Received

Notice of grants received was in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette twice at the end of last week.  Copies are being sought for the group’s collection.  Donate bike racks were moved today prior to the meeting.

Old Business

Amanda Trail section

While there was no formal report, there was some discussion on current status.  The need to meet with Jennifer Johns was reemphasized.  Her recent letter will be copied and sent to chair Claude Ford by Jim Barrett.  Follow-up will be made with Larry Smith’s son to check on surveying the trail location near Midwest Fabricating.  Jeff will make contact.  Jeff will approach Claude about costs for improving Amanda Trail section so that it is usable.

Lancaster Trail section 

Teleconference is scheduled for this coming Friday with ORTC.  Grant application will be reviewed.  Environmental engineering firm has already checked the application.  A third party may also be asked to make review (Nancy Baldwin).  The city trail section has funds of $30,000 in state, $30,000 in Fairfield Foundation, $28,000 in Columbus Foundation, $15,000 in Lancaster Parks, $5,000 in FMC, $130,000 in Recreational Trails grant, $180,000 in-kind from Lancaster City Streets Department.  This is Phase One of three, running from the Forest Rose school to Lanreco Park and Cherry Street.  Construction is to begin in April. 

The city is currently working with the railroads to establish further right-of-ways.  Progress also continues in other areas as well.

Question was raised as to how Athens group is receiving funding.  A meeting with Boby Clark of Hobson’s office will be setup by Jim Barrett if possible.

Property on opposite side of creek from the high school for trail is being pursued.  Property owners have volunteered to make this a donation.  At this point the trail  would be on both sides of creek.

Visitors and Convention Bureau – no report.

Covered Bridge  

Bob talked to OU-L representative.  His concern is only about the bridge abutments and height above the flood plain.  Bob is meeting with Spire’s Trucking about moving.  School is interested so some groups might be willing to help, such as Athletic Boosters, Thomas Ewing, Lancaster High School.  Bob suggested the theme, “Buy the journey from the past to the future” as a campaign for moving funds.

Bike racks 

Nine racks were moved today to storage.  Larry Smith has one for placement near the Fox Trail.  Bob is working on getting template to identify each rack as a gift from our group.  Ira will send thank yous to David Fey for the Historical Parks, and Brenda Metcalf for Community Action.  It was MSP that one of the racks be given to Eagle Scout candidate working with Ed Pool, after being identified, for placement in park development at Baltimore.  It is hoped that a connector will be established to the already existing trail along SR 256.

New Business

An introduction of all present was held.  Randy Devol was among those present.  He is manager of the Seattle Bike Supply warehouse that supplies specialty bike shops.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Next meeting will be January 8.   Remember this is the annual election of officers.